Watch List notes:

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO. Government of Trinidad and Tobago. 1000 Dollars, ND (1914). P-2Esp. Specimen Proof. PMG About Uncirculated 50.
$1000, specimen, ND (1914), without serial numbers. Green on green paper, Royal Arms upper center, profile of female head at left, '1000' at right, reverse in similar colors, cherubs supporting central seal at center, perforated 'CANCELLED'.

The Standard Catalog lists this type in black as uniface proofs; the illustrations in that source are of front and back proofs with hand artwork dated August 29, '13 (1913) at top right corners. This piece is a completely finished, double sided specimen with front and back together as an issued note would be released. Helmeted woman's head and royal arms/superb back design with cherubs supporting seal. Issued by the Government of Trinidad & Tobago just prior to WWI for reasons unknown. In Trinidad (as in Canada prior to the opening of Canada's central bank, i.e. the Bank of Canada in 1935), the issuance of most notes was left to the banks. Thus, the Royal Bank of Canada, the Canadian Bank of Commerce, and the Colonial Bank issued notes in denominations of $5, $20, and $100. To protect those who had little wealth in the event of a bank failure, the government forbade the issuance of notes in denominations of less than $5; thus, Trinidad & Tobago issued notes for $1 and $2. And, as in Canada, denominations higher than $100 were also the prerogative of the government. Thus, Trinidad & Tobago chose to issue a $1000 in 1914.

In the Trinidad & Tobago Blue Book, 1914-1915, under 'Estimated Amount of Paper Money in Circulation, Colonial Government': "On February 1st, 1906, the Government commenced issuing $1 and $2 notes. On June 12th, 1914, the first issue of $1000 notes was made. The total value of such notes in circulation at the end of the financial year was $636,960, of which $102,000 consist of $1000 notes."

A spectacular high-value early British colonial note. It should be noted that the face value of this note was USD1000, just like a "Grand Watermelon 1000," and that it was encashable for fifty US $20 gold double-eagle pieces, a truly staggering amount! A masterpiece in every respect, large size and a superb design.

Census Report:

After analyzing the data on Track and Price AC and PMG's population report, the cataloguer can find only one other fully printed note similar to the note offered in this lot; it is was sold by Spink London in April 2015 for GBP 7200 (including Buyer's Premium). Another note, but with incomplete printing and therefore not a specimen, was sold for GBP 9000 (including Buyer's Premium) in October 2013. All other sales were either of uniface reverses or printings in a different colors.

In conclusion, this is one of two fully printed specimen notes known to date and it is the higher condition by far. Additional information on this remarkable issue is available from the auctioneers. Please contact info@stacksbowers.com.

Estimate: $20000 - $30000